A Safer Computer Is Just a Click Away

When it comes to general computer safety, remember these words: install, update, power down, back up and destroy. Whether you’re on a Mac or PC, these tips will keep your system slim, trim and speedy—and block miscreants from your machine.

1. Update passwords. Keep administrative names and passwords updated.

2. Set wireless networks to “no broadcast”… and password-protect them.

3. Must-haves:anti-virus, anti-malware. Make sure you have both an anti-virus and anti-malware program installed. There are several good, free options for personal use from companies such as AVG and Malware Bytes.

4. Turn on your firewall. This will prevent intruders from entering your system via the Internet—a must-have in these cybertimes.

5. Turn on automatic updates. This will make sure you have the latest software patches for your operating system and web browser, which are usually published to fix known bugs and security flaws.

7. Update all third-party programs, including Microsoft Office, Adobe products and browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Safari. Hackers often target third-party applications with known vulnerabilities.

8. Drive power. Uninstall programs and apps you don’t use. Run a disk cleanup and defragmenter in Windows or use an application such as AppCleaner or AppZapper in Mac OS.

9. Manage your startups. This is as easy as running “msconfig.exe” in Windows or finding “Login Items” in your Mac System Preferences. The fewer programs that automatically load, the more system resources available, the faster your computer.

10. Power down. Be sure to power down your computer when not in use.

11. If sensitive information is stored on the hard drive, protect it with encryption and by regularly backing up your data to a separate disk and, where possible, a remote site or facility.

12. Before disposing of your computer, remove all storage drives. Do not rely on the “delete” or trash function to remove files containing sensitive information.

13. Store personal files and data backups securely in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or have service work done in your home. Be sure to turn on all security settings built into your computer, and password-protect your computer and files with sensitive personal or account data.